The designer should also avoid over-specification, a trivial example being that is not needed when steel components are used in many internal environments. [] Keep it simple and familiar Steel is a versatile material. It can be used for, for which its efficiency has helped it reach over 95% market share, and it can be used for high rise buildings, for which its high strength to weight ratio makes it the only practical choice. Because of the different ways that steel beams can be configured, steel structures can be used to create that are competitive for spans ranging from 6m to over 20m. When choosing between these steel solutions, a basic principle for the designer should always be to keep it simple, and use solutions that are familiar not only to him/her as the designer, but will also be familiar to the fabricator and erector. Complexity and lack of familiarity are more likely to result in misunderstandings or misuse, and may cost more.
Exotic solutions should only be used for exotic applications that justify the use of non-standard and unfamiliar solutions because of the other attributes they bring. Modern office building in Spinningfields, Manchester [] Lowest weight may not be best The impact of steel weight on is interesting as there are conflicting drivers. Some things are quantifiable – in many countries labour is more expensive than materials so adopting a larger steel section rather than one that needs labour intensive, for example of stiffeners, can be more cost effective. Against this argument, using more material may be associated with greater. But the considerations are more complex than that because thicker also have greater resistance, for example to, so the use of larger sections may: • improve resilience under accidental loading, making them particularly appropriate for to assure the of a structure against unforeseen circumstances.